It's Not Just The Home, It's Where It's At That Counts

When you're searching for your next home, remember: Where a home sits is as important as the home itself.

Location. Location. Location. It will determine how well you live in your home and how much you'll be able to sell it for when the time comes.

Have you found a neighborhood you're interested in? Before going any further, you (and your buyer's agent, if you have one) should focus on how well the neighborhood is located.

Location, of course, has a lot to do with what's nearby and what the future might bring to the area. Here are some important questions to consider.

• What is the  traffic like in the area where you'd like to live? What are future plans for road development, if any?
• What are the  plans for surrounding properties? Answers are sometimes common knowledge, but you may have to look them up in the government offices where maps, charts and proposals are available.
• Are there  seasonal activities in the area that would disturb you, e.g. outdoor recreational facilities?
• Where is the nearest public transportation? Does it go where you want to go?
•  How far  away are employment opportunities, schools, shopping, recreation, religious and cultural centers?
• What do  local taxes (state, county, municipal) amount to, and how are they calculated?

If you've driven through a neighborhood that interests you, get to know it better by returning at different times of the day and week. You'll get a feel for the local lifestyle and how the neighbors relate to one another and their homes. For an even better preview, park your car and walk. It's amazing what you'll learn by speaking with passers-by and observing day-to-day life up close.